Contrast enhanced sonography of visceral perfusion defects in dogs

The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of an intravenous contrast agent (FS069) for visualization of normal visceral perfusion compared with perfusion after segmental infarction in a canine model. Six mongrel dogs were used as subjects. Splenic, renal, hepatic, and small bowel perfusion was assessed without and with intravenous microbubble contrast material using gray scale, color Doppler, pulsed Doppler, and color power Doppler sonography. Each organ was then reassessed after ligation of a segmental vessel. Imaging was again performed without and with contrast material using all four ultrasonographic modalities. In all organs color and spectral Doppler signals were significantly enhanced from normally perfused tissue after intravenous contrast agent injection. Ischemic areas were more conspicuous after contrast medium injection except in the liver. Hepatic perfusion was maintained by portal flow in the liver despite arterial ligation. Ligation of collateral arcades was required to produce bowel ischemia. Intravenous injection of FS069 improves evaluation of visceral perfusion and identification of focal visceral ischemia in dogs. These results suggest that this agent may increase sensitivity for detection of blood flow in small and deep vessels.